Troubleshooting | Using Loops

I’m very much enjoying your blog and resources. I’ve been in Music Ministry for a long time but I would like to know how to learn how to use the tracks while I’m playing the keyboard! Sometimes one of our drummers leads service & I would like to have some drums operated from my iPad, but don’t know how to do it! Is there a place I could learn or get lessons online? Thanks!

I’m so glad to hear, or read!, that you’re enjoying this blog!

This is a great question and one I have personal experience with troubleshooting for our church plant in Seattle. When you have limited musicians, having an app that acts as your drummer is very helpful! Even if you do have a the basic band (keys, drums, bass) adding a loop can make your band sound full.

Note | Using loops successfully requires you to be able to hear the loop clearly in order to stay on beat. If you have a drummer playing with a loop, have them spend some time practicing and make sure that the loop is loud and clear in their monitor or headphones.

While loops and backing tracks have been around for a while now, a lot of music directors have still never used them and many don’t know where to start!

That was me! (And I’m still learning!!)

iDrum

At a music workshop a couple of years ago, I was introduced to an app (for Mac and PC) called iDrum. It cost us about $50 and has been easy for me to use. This program does require my laptop, which sits on my keyboard at church and is plugged into the soundboard that sits right beside me. You can use this app to make your own loops for any song you’d like.

iSingWorship

iSingWorship is a great option that you can use from your iPad. You download the app for free and then purchase the songs you want to use. You can use as many or as few instruments as you’d like. Watch the introduction video below and additional tutorials on their website to see if this app is right for you.

Worship Band In Hand

Another option that’s similar to iSingWorship is called Worship Band In Hand. Again, you download the app, which is available in the App Store, and then purchase the songs you want. Use the instruments you’d like and turn the others off. Watch some tutorials on the app’s great features and check out their song list.

There are tons of other great resources out there and I’m still learning myself! These three apps are easy for beginners and make a great place to start.

As I continue to learn and explore the world of loops and backing tracks, I’ll share info here on the blog!

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About Me

I am a singer, songwriter, musician, worship leader, and pastor's wife who is passionate about music & worship. I live in Seattle, where we are growing a new church plant, and I LOVE the Northwest! My desire is to help others develop their talents and succeed in all aspects of music ministry. +++++++++++++ My new EP, Fight For Us, is available now!